Inheritance - Rilegato

Samantha Chang, Lan

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0297847961 ISBN 13: 9780297847960

Casa editrice: W&N, 2004

Riassunto

From the acclaimed Chinese-American author, a story of two sisters and the deadly rivalry that comes to separate them. Beginning in 1925, it tells the story not only of one family, but of China across the turbulent years of the 20th century, through war, revolution, occupation and exile.

When their mother dies, Junan and her little sister Yinan make a pact to stay together forever. They grow up in Hangzhou, in their wealthy father's house, Junan becoming every year more beautiful, Yinan shyer and more withdrawn. One night, some men come to the house to play paigao, among them a young soldier called Li Ang. When the girls' father loses once more at the tiles, he pays his gambling debt with the hand of his older daughter. So the beautiful Junan becomes the bride of the ambitious and handsome Li Ang. Junan, exquisite and cold, makes the mistake she had always feared making, the mistake that disgraced her mother and led to her early death. Quite simply, she falls in love with her husband. When the Japanese invade, Li Ang is sent to protect the wartime capital. Unable to join him herself and tormented by love and jealousy, Junan makes her second mistake. She sends to him the one woman she can trust, her quiet and dreamy younger sister Yinan. As delicately nuanced and coloured as a painting, Lan Samantha Chang's first novel tells a classic story of desire and love.

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Recensione

Lan Samantha Chang's characters are all movingly drawn, but her portrait of an unforgiving Junan, wrapping the rags of traditional dignity around her in a world falling apart, is both chilling and touching. (Rachel Hoare GUARDIAN (9.10.04))

'This sweeping epic tale tells the story of two sisters in China and the romantic rivalry that threatens to destroy them and their family. Beautiful.' **** (HEAT (30 October-5 November and 6-12 November))

'a tender study of what happens to kin when love can only be acknowledged haltingly, when the urge for self-control is paramount, and when the need for security outweighs other instincts. The deadweight of unspoken feeling and the restrictive demands of elaborate social etiquette call to mind the aching beauty of Wong Kar Wai's film, 'In the Mood for Love''. (AM Kaye TIME OUT (27 Oct -3 Nov) - Book of the Week)

Comparisons with Amy Tan are perhaps inevitable, but the author brings her own quiet lyricism and emotional acuity to a family drama made all the more fascinating for its exotic setting. (Elizabeth Buchan DAILY MAIL (29.10.04))

Fans of Chang's short stories will love this moving novel spanning the stormy years of 20th century China. (MAIL ON SUNDAY (14.11.04))

an engaging read. (Marissa Burgess CITY LIFE (MANCHESTER) 18.11.04)

The skill with which this novel is written is magical. The historical background provides an interesting setting, but what makes this novel stand out is the quality of the writing. The lightness of the writer's touch enables you to breathe with the characters. This isn't just a well-written story, but it has all the hallmarks of a prize-winning novel...a moving and memorable read. (Myfanwy Cook THE HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW (30 November 2004))

The author writes delicately and quite beautifully. (Glen Baker MORNING STAR (22.11.04))

The story...of a poignant and long-lasting love affair, is a good one...There is a real writer at work here...I look forward to her next book. (Jonathan Mirsky TLS (4.2.05))

Her story of family love, loyalty, desire and betrayal speaks to all of us. (Shirley Lancaster TABLET (15.1.05))

Descrizione del libro

First novel from gifted young Chinese-American writer, whose debut collection, HUNGER, received great acclaim.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: W&N
• Data di pubblicazione: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0297847961
• ISBN 13: 9780297847960
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 352